THE VAMPIRE DIARIES "Pilot" Written by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec

Based on the book by L.J. Smith

Revised Network Draft February 4, 2009

ALLOY ENTERTAINMENT OUTERBANKS ENTERTAINMENT

ACT ONE EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - LATE NIGHT Long. Winding. Lined with thick forest. A lone set of HEADLIGHTS appears down the road. An SUV comes into view. INT. SUV - NIGHT A YOUNG COUPLE sits in the front seat. DARREN, 24, has that cute-Im-probably-gonna-die-soon look. Beside him is BROOKE, 24, pretty, smart-faced. Has that Ill-probably-live-longerthan-my-boyfriend look. MUSIC PLAYS. THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD - Headlights pierce darkness. DARREN An hour drive to hear that crap, wasnt even a band; guy with guitar. An hour -- each way. BROOKE He wasnt that bad. DARREN He sounded like James Blunt. BROOKE Whats wrong with that? DARREN We already have a James Blunt. Ones all we need. THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD -- A misty fog starts rolling by.

DARREN (CONTD) You owe me so much sex for this night. The fog grows thicker and thicker. see the road in front of them. BROOKE Whats with the fog? DARREN Itll clear...give it a sec. BROOKE You could slow down. Theres nothing but white all around them. The roads almost completely gone from view. Then, all of a sudden... It becomes difficult to

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THE FOG LIFTS.

They can see again. DARREN

Told ya. Brooke SCREAMS.

BROOKE Watch out!!!! WINDSHIELD - POV - A MAN STANDS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. Darren HITS the brakes. THE MAN. Not fast enough -- THEY CRASH INTO

His body goes up and over the JEEP, rolling off the top, hitting the ground behind them. Darren YANKS THE WHEEL, sending the Jeep into a tailspin across the road. It comes to a SCREECHING HALT. Everything goes silent. Darren turns to Brooke.

DARREN Are you okay? BROOKE We hit someone, oh god... Shes in full panic. Starts CRYING. Darren reaches for his cell phone. Starts dialing. Opens the door. Jesus. DARREN Shit. Stay here, okay?

BROOKE Please, let him be all right. Darren hops out of the car. Leaving Brooke shaking. She peers out the window, but she cant see anything. The HEADLIGHTS are pointed to the woods. BROOKE (CONTD) Please, please, please... She turns to look out her side window when... A FACE APPEARS IN THE WINDOW. Its Darren. Brooke LEAPS OUT OF HER SKIN.

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DARREN I cant get reception. phone. And hes gone. EXT. COUNTRY ROAD

Try your

Darren races across the road, where the MAN lies. Oh god... DARREN Kneels down...

Still.

Slowly, he approaches the man.

BESIDE THE BODY. Its not moving. Darren knows this isnt good. He finds his hand -- lifts it. Feels for a pulse. DARREN (CONTD) Please be alive. We glimpse a ring on the DEAD MANS FINGER. ANTIQUE. A LAPIS STONE. He peers down to the MANS FACE. Its pitch black. Its unusual.

Unable to see him at all.

He flips his cell phone around and hits the touch pad, it lights up his LCD screen. Uses it as a LIGHT when... IN A FLASH -- HANDS REACH OUT. IN A FLASH -- THE MAN RISES UP IN A FLASH -- Darrens head YANKS BACK, neck exposed. IN A FLASH -- SHARP. GLEAMING. FANGS. No

Rip into Darrens throat. scream. NO NOISE AT ALL. EXT. CAR - NIGHT

Hes dead in an instant. A vicious, silent death.

Brooke gets out of the car with her cell, having no idea whats happened just yards away. Shes having trouble getting reception as well. She walks around to the front of the car. Calls out. BROOKE Mine doesnt work either. Her eyes search the darkness. Theres no Darren. either for that matter. Brooke looks around. No man

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Darren?

BROOKE (CONTD) Terrified. A NOISE

She turns back to the car. Frightened. behind her. She turns. Just as...

DARRENS BODY FALLS ONTO THE CARS HOOD. From above. Out of nowhere. It lands with a resounding THUD. Sprawled across the hood -- his neck a raw and bloody mess. Brooke is paralyzed in horror. A FIGURE emerges behind her. A MAN silhouetted in the headlights. His face shadowed. She senses his presence. She spins around. Because, now hes on the other side of her. there? Impossible. She spins around again. Hes gone again. No ones there. How did he get

Brooke turns and begins to run. Down the center of the road. SCREAMING HYSTERICALLY. Trying to put distance between her and whoever is out there... She keeps running and running...directly into the fog. Everything becomes blurry real fast. Brooke keeps moving, not looking back, disappearing further into the hazy mist. A POV TRACKING SHOT BEHIND HER...TRAVELING LIGHTNING FAST. IT CATCHES UP WITH HER. Suddenly, Brookes feet leave the ground as her entire body takes flight. Her SCREAM echoes through the night as something much faster and stronger YANKS HER ENTIRE BODY OUT OF SIGHT. Then, her SCREAM is cut short. A deadly silence. SWIRLING FOG FILLS THE FRAME... From it, appear the following words...

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

FADE UP: EXT. ELENAS HOUSE - DAY Morning. Birds chirp. Sun shines down on a big family home. A veranda wraps around the front. All charm. No sense of last nights horror. ELENA (V.O.) Dear Diary...today will be hell.

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INT. BEDROOM - MORNING ELENA GILBERT, 17, faces herself in the mirror. assessment. Fresh-faced, perfect features. ELENA (V.O.) But, Im ready. I can deal. I have a plan. I will smile. It will be believable. Genuine. My smile will say, Im fine, thank you. Yes, much better. Time heals everything. Elena is now at her desk writing in her journal. ELENA (V.O.) (CONTD) They will see that Elena is alive and well. As she writes, the CAMERA moves around her room. Taking inventory of her life. Items of an over-achiever; awards, certificates, ribbons, etc. ELENA (V.O.) (CONTD) And if I can convince them, then maybe, just maybe, I can believe it myself. Snapshots and framed photos. Friends in funny, happy poses, reflecting the life of a popular and well-adjusted girl. These are personal photos -- they mean something. Her parents, brother -- obligatory family photo. it for a beat. Theres a story there. INT. ELENAS HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY The morning news is muted on a small TV in the background. Photos of Darren and Brooke flash ON SCREEN. MISSING COUPLE. JENNA MOYER (29) stands at the fridge. Grad school smart. little scattered in a brainy way. A thinker in sweats. Which works for her. Its sexy. She opens the fridge door. Studies its contents. not domestic. She never will be. Toast. JENNA I can make toast. Jenna is A Linger on A silent

Shes talking to Elena who just walked in. Goes straight for the coffee pot. Pours a cup. Elena drinks it black.

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ELENA Its all about the coffee, Aunt Jenna. Jenna nods, of course. JEREMY Is there coffee? JEREMY (15) enters the kitchen. Cool look; has an original take on grunge punk, nothing extreme. Tinkers with the nail polish and eye-liner, but wont commit. A bit of a mess. Outcast cute. JENNA Your first day of school and Im totally unprepared. She grabs TWO POWER BARS. Hands em out. Reaches for her purse, finds some cash. Elena declines. Jeremy takes it. JENNA (CONTD) Lunch money. Anything else? A No. 2 pencil? What am I missing? Shes trying to get it right. ELENA Dont you have a big presentation today? JENNA Im meeting with my thesis advisor at -(checks her watch, realizing) Now. Crap. Go. ELENA Elena turns to Jeremy.

Jenna disappears in a flash. You good?

ELENA (CONTD)

JEREMY Dont start. Jeremy exits the back door. Uninterested and annoyed. Left alone in the kitchen, Elena SIGHS. Steeling herself for the day.

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EXT. MYSTIC FALLS/INT. PRIUS - MORNING A small Virginia town. Quaint, picturesque. A place youd like to raise a family. Southern in its hospitality, northern in its attitude. A Prius makes its way past Main Street. Mom and Pop. couple restaurants. A hardware store. A church. A

Elena rides beside BONNIE (17). Light, bubbly, and adorable. A loyal friend with a big heart. Shes in chatty Cathy mode. BONNIE So Grams tells me how Im psychic because were descendants of the Celtic Druids; I know, right? I wasnt buying it either until I remembered my uncanny accuracy. I predicted Obama, I predicted David Cook, Heath Ledger, Britneys comeback and I still think Florida will break off and become little resort islands. I think theres something to it. She glances over at Elena who is staring out the window, not listening. Shes in another world. BONNIE (CONTD) Did I tell you about the orgy? I had the football team over. Threw a blindfold on. I still dont know who took my virginity -- ELENA! BACK IN THE CAR!!! Elena JUMPS when she hears Bonnie YELL her name. snaps out of her daze. ELENA I did it again, didnt I? Im sorry, Bonnie. You were saying... What? BONNIE Cmon, you can do it... She quickly

ELENA (thinking hard) Something about being psychic. Bonnie TOOTS the horn. They both LAUGH.

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ELENA (CONTD) Okay, then, predict, whats in store for me? Give it up. Bonnie is turning a corner. She holds one hand out, waving it like a magic wand. In complete goof mode. BONNIE I see puppies and daffodils and a naked Ryan Gosling... SUDDENLY, SOMETHING FLIES INTO THE WINDSHIELD. the steering wheel. The car goes SKIDDING. She SLAMS ON THE BRAKES. BONNIE (CONTD) What was that? Oh god... Bonnie turns to Elena. Elena? sorry. BONNIE (CONTD) Are you okay? Im so Bonnie JERKS

Elena sits frozen in the front seat. Im okay. ELENA It happens.

BONNIE No, Im so sorry, it was like a bird or something. It came out of nowhere. ELENA Its okay. I cant let cars freak me out for the rest of my life. She shakes it off. Determined not to let it cloud her day. Bonnie gets it. Appreciates it. BONNIE I predict this year is gonna be kick ass. And I predict all the sad and dark times are over. And youre going to be happier than happy. With some hot sex too. Elena smiles. Touched by all Bonnie says.

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ELENA Thats all good. Just one thing. If youre psychic, how come you didnt predict the bird? Bonnie grins. HITS the gas and theyre off.

EXT. STREET - MORNING Bonnies Prius takes off down the road. The CAMERA PANS to a telephone pole. Where an ominous BLACK CROW sits, perched at the top. Deadly still. EXT. MYSTIC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL - PARKING LOT - DAY A small town high school. Nothing special. Just real.

A GUY enters frame, moving across the parking lot. We dont see his face. He passes through other arriving STUDENTS. Slowly a few people start to turn, noticing this new arrival. EXT. MYSTIC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - MORNING Bonnie and Elena move down the hall when... CAROLINE TRUITT (17) approaches. Extremely pretty in a manufactured way. Hair, make-up, wardrobe, shes done to death. Bit of a queen bee persona. She sees Elena and immediately goes to her, embracing her, holding her tight. CAROLINE Hi girls. Elena, my god, how are you? Its so good to see you. ELENA (as rehearsed) Thanks, Caroline, Im fine. Caroline is genuine. In her own way, she truly cares. busies herself with her locker. CAROLINE Have you seen Matt yet? Elena shakes her head. BONNIE They broke up, Caroline. Elena

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CAROLINE I know that. But they can still talk. ELENA He was at his Dads all summer. CAROLINE So whats the status? Friends, cordial, awkward at best? Elena shrugs just as MATT (17) comes waltzing around the corner. Everybodys All-American. Handsome jock. Eventempered, gentle eyes. He sees the three girls. MATT Hey, guys... His eyes go straight to Elena. Hi, Matt. ELENA She smiles. Friendly.

He gives her an awkward nod and takes off. MATT Good to see you. Caroline watches him go. CAROLINE In case you missed it, you two are awkward at best. She heads off. Bonnie gives Elena a supportive smile. Hang in there, girl. Then, she takes off with Caroline. Elena turns back to her locker -- doing exactly that. INT. ANOTHER HALLWAY - DAY The mysterious new guy walks down the hall, turning into the ADMINISTRATION OFFICE. We catch a half-glimpse. Chiseled profile. Sunglasses. EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - MORNING The empty football field. Empty bleachers. Later.

JEREMY (V.O.) Dont take more than 2 in a 6 hour window.

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EXT. DUMPSTER AREA - MORNING Behind the bleachers of the football field, near the storage garage, hidden by dumpsters is -- THE PIT. As in a stoners pit stop. Where you come to partake in all things illegal. Every small town school has one. Jeremy hangs with some STONERS. VICKI (18) stares at two pills in her hand. Sexy hot. A little on the trashy side. Shes very desirable And she knows it. Depends on it -- in that sad way. She takes two and pops them in her mouth and swallows. VICKI What are they? JEREMY You might wanna reverse the order next time, ask first, swallow second; Alprazolam, a mellow and breezy descendant of the benzodiazepine family. VICKI What happens if I take more than two? JEREMY Youll shave your head and lip sync for the rest of your life. Someone passes Jeremy a lit joint. back to Vicki just as... He takes a toke. Turns

TYLER STRATTON (18) saunters up. Athletic, attractive, arrogant. He goes straight for Vicki. TYLER I knew Id find you here, holding court. VICKI (flip) With my fellow crack heads. Tyler notices Jeremy -- sees the joint, takes it from him. TYLER Hey, Pete Wentz called. his eyeliner back. Jeremy doesnt miss a beat. He wants

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JEREMY Pete Wentz, huh? How old school TRL of you. Carson Daly fan? Tyler starts to lunge. Be nice. brother. Vicki pulls him back.

VICKI Thats Elenas little

TYLER I know who he is, Ill still kick his ass. He does a fake-out lunge. It makes Jeremy jump. LAUGHS. So does Vicki. That burns. Tyler

Tyler takes a big toke of the joint. Then, leans over and kisses Vicki -- shotguns his toke. Its sexy. And it drives Jeremy mad. Deflated, Jeremy turns back to the STONERS, takes another hit. Bummin hard. INT. MYSTIC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL - ADMIN. OFFICE - DAY The back of the new guy as he interacts with the secretary. SCENE INTERCUTS: INT. HALLWAY - DAY Caroline passes by, then stops. CAROLINE Whos this? She and Bonnie peer through the window. BONNIE I can only see his back. CAROLINE Its a hot back. The secretary looks up at Stefan. SECRETARY Your records are incomplete. Are they? STEFAN

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SECRETARY Youre missing immunization records, transcripts, parental contact information... THROUGH THE WINDOW -- THE GIRLS CONTINUE TO WATCH. CAROLINE Theres style there. Check out his boots. California? New York? Bonnie closes her eyes -- calling on her psychic abilities. BONNIE Im sensing Seattle. a guitar. And he plays

CAROLINE Turn around, turn, turn... INSIDE THE OFFICE The secretary is shaking her head. SECRETARY We really prefer a parent to come in and meet with us in person. And we insist on transcripts. Stefan slowly lowers his sunglasses. We still dont see his face, but the secretary looks up at him, suddenly transfixed. He speaks in a low, soft tone. STEFAN Please look again. Im sure everything you need is there. The secretary looks back down, scattered. SECRETARY Well, youre right. So it is. BONNIE No fugly, no fugly... Slowly, he turns. On Bonnie and Carolines reactions. We still dont see his face. But, its definitely thumbs up. DOWN THE HALL ELENA is at her locker. She sees Jeremy walk by with his STONER FRIENDS. Hes shuffling his feet, swaying some, definitely stoned. He disappears into the Mens Room. Slightly frazzled.

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A flash of anger from Elena. charges off.

She SLAMS her locker shut and

INT. MENS ROOM - HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING Jeremy is at the sink, putting drops of Visine in his eyes when Elena storms into the bathroom. TWO GUYS at the urinals complain. PEEING GUY Whoa, pants down, chick. Elena ignores them. She storms up to Jeremy and spins him around, pushing him against the sink. She grabs his hands and SNIFFS them. She SNIFFS his face. Yes, he reeks of pot. A look into his eyes reveal theyre bloodshot. Reefer red. Jeremy jerks away. Embarrassed in front of the OTHER GUYS. ELENA Great. First day of school. youre stoned. JEREMY No, Im not. Elena starts digging through his coat pockets, trying to find his stash. He jerks away, but shes fast and tough. She has her hands inside his coat jacket, feeling his pockets. ELENA Where is it? Is it on you? JEREMY You need to chill yourself. ELENA Chill yourself. Oooh. Stoner talk. Dude, youre so cool. Shes searching his back pants pockets now. A COUPLA GUYS continue to watch, LAUGHING. Cavity search Im next. JEREMY Theres none on me. Stop it-She stands And

He pushes her away. But Elena doesnt back down. there -- determined.

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ELENA No, Im gonna be all over your ass every single time, so before you take that next bong hit think to yourself, is it worth it? Is it worth the hell hath no fury of my crazy sister? Because I will be there to ruin your buzz every time. Got it? Pause. Jeremy says nothing. Hes stoned. Embarrassed.

Elena backs off a little. Did she go too far? Her anger gives way to hurt. She has nothing but love and concern for her brother. ELENA (CONTD) I know who you are and its not this person. Dont be this person. Jeremys eyes soften. A brief flash of vulnerability. That of a frightened boy. But it doesnt last. He jerks away. JEREMY I dont need this. He takes off, defiant, blasting out the door. him go. Her face pained. INT. CORRIDOR - HIGH SCHOOL Stefan exits the office. We still have yet to see his face. We see his feet, shoulders, back of his head. Bonnie and Caroline follow him. We notice OTHER STUDENTS turn and glance at the NEW KID. Reactions vary. He moves to a door. Just as he approaches it, it opens, revealing... ELENA. She stops in her tracks when she sees Stefan. finally, we see his face. And, Elena watches

Hes a gloriously, amazingly, epic-ly beautiful young man. Elegant and ageless, in a hanging on the wall of the Louvre kind of way. He bumps into her. Steps back. STEFAN

Pardon me.

He removes his sunglasses, revealing his gorgeous eyes. Looks at the door. Checking that its the Mens Room.

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Elena is mesmerized in the moment by his presence. back to her. STEFAN (CONTD) Is this the Mens Room? ELENA Yes, I was...long story.

He looks

They both move at the same time, bumping again. She goes the other way, when he does too, they almost bump again. He stops and allows her to pass. She smiles, embarrassed. Elena starts off, but she cant help but turn back. The door slowly closes. But not before she locks eyes with him again. ON ELENA -- Who was that guy? TIME CUT: INT. MYSTIC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY Elena is in class. The teacher, MR. TANNER, 40s, drones on. History -- Civil War. Ugh. MR. TANNER Since our own home state of Virginia was a border state during the war, it played a significant role in the outcome... Elena steals a glance to her right. Stefan is several desks away. He looks up, meeting her gaze. She quickly averts her eyes. When she dares to look up a moment later, hes looking at her again. Two desks back, Bonnie stealthily sends a text. Elenas purse vibrates. She slides out her phone. BONNIE: HAWT-E. STARING @ U. FROM

She looks back to Bonnie and they share a smile. Then, she glances right and sees Matt staring at her. He looks away. She looks at Bonnie -- who shrugs. EXT. MYSTIC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL - FIELD - DAY Elena, Caroline and Bonnie approach the football field. carry practice POM POMS. CAROLINE His name is Stefan Whitmore. He lives with his great-uncle in the old Whitmore Boarding House. (MORE) They

17. CAROLINE (CONT'D) He hasnt lived here since he was a kid. Military family. They traveled a lot. Hes a Gemini and has a scratched retina and thats why he wears the shades inside.

BONNIE You got all that in one day? CAROLINE I got all that in between bells after third period. So, bagsies. Hes all mine. I saw him first. BONNIE I say we both throw ourselves at him and whoever he picks gets him. CAROLINE Thats the same as saying hes mine. Ouch. BONNIE Bitch.

Elena looks to the field. Sees the CHEERLEADERS warming up. The FOOTBALL TEAM running drills. Beat. ELENA You know what, guys? skip out. Im gonna

CAROLINE What do you mean? Its Freshman tryouts. BONNIE Its better than IDOL. ELENA You guys enjoy. Ill catch up with you later. Elena throws them a smile and takes off. CAROLINE You cant just... Let it go. BONNIE Dont make a big deal.

Bonnie motions to Caroline.

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EXT. CEMETERY - LATE AFTERNOON A sprawling, ornate cemetery filled with enormous mausoleums, and rows and rows of well-tended tombstones. This town is rich in history, and its dead are revered. ELENA (V.O.) Dear Diary. I made it. I got through the day in one piece. Find Elena leaning up against a tombstone, writing. ELENA (V.O.) (CONTD) Okay, so I wasnt feeling the pom poms. But I think that could be a good thing... A closer look reveals that the pair of tombstones are labeled GRAYSON GILBERT and MIRANDA SOMERS GILBERT. LOVING PARENTS. ANGLE THROUGH A NEARBY CRYPT Someone is watching Elena. noticing... Lurking. She looks up,

Theres a CROW perched on her mothers tombstone. Large, black, still. It stares at her, like it knows her. ELENA (CONTD) Okay...hi, bird. It doesnt move. Just watches her. Unblinking.

ELENA (CONTD) Not creepy or anything. Big black crow in a cemetery. A slow, thick FOG creeps in, settling in around Elena. notices it. Weird. She stands up. ELENA (CONTD) And cue the fog. Jesus. The crow still stares. Annoyed, she waves one hand at it. She

ELENA (CONTD) Shoo...or whatever. It doesnt move. She looks at it. Then makes a sudden LUNGE for it. Startled, the crow flies away. ELENA (CONTD) Thats what I thought.

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She turns around and GASPS --- THE CROW IS ON THE TOMBSTONE BEHIND HER. Its eyes burning into her. Her head whips in the direction she saw it fly and then back to the tombstone. ELENA (CONTD) How did --Freaked out, she bends over to pick up her bag, but the crow suddenly takes flight again, fluttering its enormous wings. Elena holds back a scream. Screw you. ELENA (CONTD)

She briskly walks away. The fog is getting thicker... murkier. And theres the crow again, perched in a low tree. She picks up her pace, almost running. The fog swirling around her. She loses her bearings, trips over a vine... She goes to the ground. Shit. She rights herself, wincing. Have scruffed her leg. She looks back and sees... THE FIGURE OF A MAN through the fog. What the...?

Thats it. Elena hauls ass. She takes off in the opposite direction, running, racing through the cemetery when she... RUNS SMACK INTO STEFAN. Elena SCREAMS.

STEFAN Are you okay? Elena scrambles back, freaked. ELENA Were you following me? Confused, she looks behind her. Where the FIGURE was. I saw

STEFAN No. I mean, yes, sort of. you fall.

ELENA (suspicious) You like to lurk in graveyards? STEFAN I was visiting...I have family here. She sags. Embarrassed. Suddenly nervous in his presence.

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ELENA Oh wow. Tactless, Im sorry. Im not thinking clearly, its the fog, made me foggy and there was this bird and it was all very Hitchcock there for a second -- it was Hitchcock, right, the bird movie? (beat, stopping herself) Im Elena. Stefan smiles at her nervousness. STEFAN Im Stefan. I know. ELENA Pulls a

He reaches over and brushes her hair to the side. small leaf from it. Elena almost trembles. ELENA (CONTD) Thank you...

Theres something electric in this moment. As he pulls his hand away, Elena notices a RING ON HIS HAND. An antique. With a lapis stone at its center. Weve seen it before. (dry) Nice ring. ELENA (CONTD)

STEFAN Family ring. I know its weird. ELENA Its just, there are rings and then there are RINGS. Stefan stops suddenly, head tilting. STEFAN Did you hurt yourself? Elena looks down and sees her pants are torn. and lifts her pants leg to reveal... BLOOD COMING FROM A SMALL CUT. She leans down As if smelling the air.

Stefans eyes FIXATE on it.

ELENA Oh, yeah, look at that.

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She inspects it. Blood drips down her ankle. tear his eyes away. His breath gets ragged. Get away. STEFAN

Stefan cant

ELENA (looking up) What --He spins away from her, hiding his face. Elena doesnt see, but we glimpse something -- a vein pulsating? Something in his eyes? Its so fast, were not quite sure. STEFAN (fierce) I SAID GO. Stunned and confused, Elena retreats a few steps. stops and looks back. Stefan is gone. END OF ACT ONE But then

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ACT TWO EXT. WHITMORE BOARDING HOUSE - DUSK A turn-of-century home set deep in the woods. A gorgeous arched window on the upper floor...A MALE VOICE. Stefan. STEFAN (V.O.) I lost control today. INT. WHITMORE BOARDING HOUSE - STEFANS ROOM - DUSK He sits at an old desk, writing in a journal. STEFAN (V.O.) In an instant. My veins were on fire, I couldnt resist her. INT. WHITMORE BOARDING HOUSE - BATHROOM - DUSK Stefan stands under the streaming jets of his shower. STEFAN (V.O.) I never should have tried to enter her life. What would she do if she ever learned the truth? About me...and why Im really here. INT. WHITMORE BOARDING HOUSE - STEFANS ROOM - DUSK Stefan, dry and shirtless, paces the room. STEFAN (V.O.) I should stay away. But I dont know if I can. He stops at his desk, picking up a book. JOURNAL. He stares at it for a beat. Its ELENAS CUT TO: INT. WHITMORE BOARDING HOUSE - STEFANS ROOM - DUSK Fully dressed, Stefan steps to the ledge of the enormous window that lines the wall of his room and JUMPS... EXT. WHITMORE BOARDING HOUSE - CONTINUOUS ...falling the fifty feet to the ground. He lands effortlessly. And heads off into the woods. Restless.

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INT. ELENAS HOUSE - BATHROOM - EVENING Elena puts a bandage on her cut leg. doorway chatting with her. Jenna stands in the

JENNA Maybe blood makes him squeamish? ELENA This guy is not the squeamish type. This guy has DANGER tattooed somewhere on his body. Jenna eyes her watch. JENNA Arent you meeting Bonnie? ELENA Im gonna stay in. Ill call her.

JENNA You should go. Dont sit home. Keep it up. Youre doing good. Elena smiles. Appreciates this. She puts the bandage box back in the medicine cabinet. She stops, pulls out a prescription bottle. She shakes it, opens it. Suspicious. JENNA (CONTD) Whats the matter? ELENA Dr. Henderson prescribed these after the accident. (off Jennas nod) I took two. She tilts the bottle so Jenna can see. ELENA (CONTD) Im gonna kill him. JENNA I got this one. Hell be home soon. Let me handle it. Jenna is resolute. Its almost empty.

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INT. MYSTIC GRILL - EVENING A cozy neighborhood bar and grill. JEREMY is at a video game, playing and eating at the same time. Vicki, in a waitress apron, passes by. She barely acknowledges him. AT A BACK BOOTH Vicki sets down a burger plate in front of Matt. sitting with Tyler. Hes

She gives Tyler a side-long glance before walking away. Tyler subtly checks out her ass. Matt busts him. MATT Please tell me youre not hooking up with my sister. TYLER Im not hooking up with your sister. MATT (knows hes full of shit) Youre not an asshole, either. INT. MYSTIC GRILL - BACK ROOM - EVENING Vicki fills a tray with supplies. VICKI You cant be back here. JEREMY Whats your deal? This summer youre one way, school starts and you cant be bothered. VICKI Im ignoring you. JEREMY (challenging) Ignoring implies caring enough to avoid. VICKI What implies total lack of interest? Look, Jeremy, I appreciate all the attention and the pharmaceuticals, but you cant follow me around like a lost puppy. Jeremy enters the room.

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JEREMY When was the last time you had sex with a puppy? Vicki looks to the dining room to see if anyones listening. VICKI Keep it down. JEREMY What does it matter who knows? VICKI Because Im a senior and youre not. I dont wanna tell the world I deflowered Elenas kid brother. JEREMY And deflowered and deflowered. VICKI We hooked up a few times in a drugfueled haze. Now, back off before you ruin things with me and Tyler. JEREMY The guys a douche, he only wants you for your ass. Yeah? She blows by. VICKI And what do you want me for? He exits...

On Jeremy, pissed off and hurt.

INT. MYSTIC GRILL - NIGHT ...makes a beeline for the door. the corner of her eye. Vicki watches him go out of

INT. ELENAS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Elena grabs her purse and keys, heading out. front door to find... EXT. ELENAS HOUSE - VERANDA - NIGHT ...Stefan standing on her porch. ELENA (startled) She opens the

Oh.

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Hi.

STEFAN Sorry. I was about to knock. (beat) I wanted to apologize for earlier. I know it was strange. ELENA Thats an understatement. you know where I lived? How did

STEFAN Its a small town. (then) I thought you might like this back. He hands over her journal. STEFAN (CONTD) You must have dropped it in the cemetery. Thank you. ELENA

Shes wary, but intrigued. STEFAN I didnt read it. ELENA You have more restraint than most people. STEFAN I wouldnt want anyone to read mine. ELENA You keep a journal? STEFAN (simply) Memories are important. Elena knows this. ELENA Yeah. (re: the journal) Ill just...

27.

She heads inside to put the book away in her school bag. Stefan lingers at the door. Eyeing the threshold. Unable to enter. Elena calls back to him. ELENA (CONTD) You dont have to stand out there. Not exactly an invitation. Im fine. STEFAN He notices her purse.

She returns to the front door.

STEFAN (CONTD) Im sorry, were you going somewhere? ELENA Im meeting my friend. She stares at him. Considering.

ELENA (CONTD) Do you want to come? He smiles at her. A smile you could get lost in.

INT. MYSTIC GRILL - NIGHT Bonnie slides into the booth with Matt. BONNIE Five minute heads up. Elena. MATT Hows she doing? read. Grabs a fry.

Im meeting

I cant get a

BONNIE Her mom and dad died. How do you think? Shes putting on a good face, but its tough. Its only been four months. She needs time. I get it. give her. MATT Thats what Im gonna He turns to follow her gaze.

Suddenly Bonnies face shifts. AT THE FRONT DOOR

28.

Elena and Stefan enter together. quickly turns back around.

Matts look hardens.

He

ON ELENA. She saw Matts reaction. door for a second, uncertain. ON MATT AND BONNIE As Caroline appears at their booth. with Elena. She looks to Matt.

She hesitates at the

Shes staring at Stefan

CAROLINE Could you do something about your girlfriend? Im getting really annoyed with her lack of respect. MATT Shes not my girlfriend. Matt gets up. Just as Elena and Stefan arrive.

ELENA Matt, have you met Stefan yet? Hes new and I was telling him how this was the spot. Stefan holds out his hand. Pause. Matt shakes it.

MATT Its the only spot. STEFAN Hey, how ya doin? Matt returns to Tyler. Avoiding more awkwardness.

INT. ELENAS HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT Jeremy enters the kitchen from the back door. setting the table. JENNA Great, youre just in time for dinner. JEREMY You actually cooked? JENNA All your favorites. Jeremy sits down. He looks at his plate, startled. Jenna finishes

29.

JEREMY What is this? The plate contains an assortment of pills, pot and various accoutrements. All laid out like separate courses. JENNA I found the main course in your sock drawer. The sides, courtesy of your dress shoes. Oldest trick in the book, by the way. She points at a small bong. JENNA (CONTD) Under the mattress. Rolling papers. JENNA (CONTD) DVD cases. Well save the girl-ongirl porn you hid in Iron Man for another conversation. JEREMY I cant believe you went through my room. JENNA Technically its my room. Your parents left it to me, along with the responsibility for you. JEREMY I guess that was their mistake, wasnt it? Jenna exhales. Keeping her anger in check.

JENNA Look. Four months ago I didnt even know how to keep a plant alive. So Im not pretending to be some expert on parenting. Because, lets face it, Im better at being the cool aunt who looks the other way. But the jig is up. Schools started and I know how it can go one way or the other for someone like you. So were gonna go textbook on this one.

30.

JEREMY Yeah, whats that? JENNA Youre not leaving this house for two weeks. School, home, every day. And thats law. Shes firm. Intense. On Jeremy, not happy with Jennas new disciplinarian persona. EXT. MYSTIC GRILL - NIGHT Through the front window, we see a group of teens crammed around a table together. INT. MYSTIC GRILL - NIGHT Caroline and Bonnie sit across from Stefan and Elena. BONNIE Why Mystic Falls? STEFAN I was born here. I missed it. Parents? CAROLINE

STEFAN Both my parents are dead. Elena registers this. So does everyone at the table, with all eyes finding their way to Elena. ELENA Thats terrible. Thank you. STEFAN Caroline doesnt like it. Im sorry.

Something else that connects them. CAROLINE No siblings?

STEFAN None that I talk to. I live with my great-uncle. ANGLE ON TYLER AND MATT Playing pool. Both of them very aware of Stefans table.

31.

TYLER Theyre throwing looks. it.

Shes into

MATT Dont want to talk about it, Tyler. TYLER Just sayin, man. Looks like shes coming out of her I cant be with anyone phase. You might wanna try to get back in that before its too late. MATT You might wanna shut your mouth. But Matts troubled by it. TYLER Watch this. He heads for the booth just as Vicki arrives with a tray full of soda refills. He gives her the slightest nudge. Her tray spills all over Stefan. VICKI Jesus, Tyler. Elena gets up, glaring at Tyler. wipe up the mess. ELENA What the hell was that? TYLER (smirking) Sorry. Tyler stares at Stefan. Wanting Stefan to instigate the fight. But Stefan wont take the bait. Its fine. STEFAN Bonnie and Vicki try to Tyler can tell.

TYLER Are you sure? Cuz Id understand it if you were mad. Stefan glares. But he still wont take the bait.

32.

BONNIE Your shirt. She tries wiping it off. But when she touches him, she stops. Her face clouds for a second. She looks up at him, slightly troubled. No one else picks up on it. STEFAN Its only a shirt. Its about time I get going anyway. He looks at everyone. Poised. Polite.

STEFAN (CONTD) It was nice meeting you guys. Then to Elena. STEFAN (CONTD) Goodnight, Elena. She smiles goodnight. Then, Stefan turns and exits. It takes a moment for Elena to shake it off. But then she turns to Tyler. Disgusted. ELENA Really nice. Tyler ignores her, happy with himself. INT. WHITMORE BOARDING HOUSE - STEFANS ROOM - NIGHT Stefan is writing in his journal again. A KNOCK on his door breaks his reverie. An OLDER MAN, PETE (70s) enters. He carries some papers. PETE I filled em all out. If that school needs anything else, have them call me. STEFAN Thanks, Pete. Pete sees Stefans conflicted face. PETE Whats wrong with you? STEFAN I think Ive made a mistake exposing myself.

33.

PETE It was your choice. You wanted to be near her. To know her. Either leave or make the most of it. He heads for the door. Turns back. Smiles.

PETE (CONTD) Its just teen angst. Youd think after 200 years youd know that, Uncle Stefan. Pete exits. Stefans smile goes away. He cant quite shake his turmoil. He goes to a big armoire. Finds the key, unlocks it. Inside are his private KEEPSAKES and stacks of OLD JOURNALS. From the last two hundred years. He pulls out one particular journal -- an older one. Aged leather, thick paper, written in quill pen. He flips to a page. Its a drawing of a girl. She looks identical to Elena. How is that possible? Only a closer look reveals the inscription: Katherine, 1864. END OF ACT TWO

34.

ACT THREE INT. MYSTIC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY Mr. Tanner is in the middle of a discussion. Hes a brittle, ornery man who is determined to teach you at all costs. MR. TANNER The Battle of Willow Creek. Took place right at the end of the War. In our very own Mystic Falls. How many casualties resulted in this battle? Miss Bennett? BONNIE Uh...a lot, Im not sure...but like a whole lot. MR. TANNER Cute becomes dumb in an instant, Miss Bennett. Bonnie shrinks in her seat. That wasnt nice.

MR. TANNER (CONTD) Mr. Donovan? Matt looks up. Uh-oh.

MR. TANNER (CONTD) Would you like to take this opportunity to overcome your embedded jock stereotype? MATT Thats okay, Mr. Tanner, Im cool with it. MR. TANNER Elena. Surely you can enlighten your friends about one of this towns most significant historical events. Im sorry. ELENA I dont know.

MR. TANNER I was willing to be lenient last year, for obvious reasons, Elena. But the personal excuses ended with summer break.

35.

Elenas eyes widen. No one can quite believe Mr. Tanner went there. Suddenly, someone pipes up: STEFAN There were 346 casualties, unless youre counting the local civilians. Everyone looks at him with surprise. MR. TANNER Youre correct, Mr.... Whitmore. STEFAN How did he know that?

MR. TANNER Whitmore? Any relation to the original Mystic Falls settlers? (wry) Distant. STEFAN

MR. TANNER Very good, sir, except there were no civilian casualties in that battle. STEFAN Actually, there were twenty-seven. Confederate soldiers fired on a church believing it to be housing weapons. They were wrong. (beat) The Founders archives are stored in Civil Hall, if youd like to brush up on your facts. Mr. Tanner. Point, Stefan. Elena stares ahead, trying to hide her smile.

EXT. MYSTIC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY Lunchtime. STUDENTS mingle, eat, chatter. Matt and Tyler throw a FOOTBALL around with some other PLAYERS. Elena and Bonnie sit together, snacking on chips. Bonnie points across the quad. To where Caroline walks with Stefan, chatting him up. ELENA Shes relentless.

36.

BONNIE Like a pit bull. Shes inviting him to the pop up party. ELENA Theres a pop up party? BONNIE Tonight. Caroline decided. She wants to be the first one this year. ELENA Why didnt she tell me? BONNIE It just popped up. pissed at you. ELENA Because of Stefan? BONNIE Because you breathe, Elena. Because the teacher chose you to erase the chalk board in the first grade. Because its who she is. They continue to watch as... ACROSS THE QUAD Matt hurls the football. He gets tackled right as he lets go. The ball sails off course. Elena sees that the ball is heading right for Stefan and Caroline. She opens her mouth to shout a heads up... ...but at the last second Stefan turns, catching the ball with ease. As if he heard it coming. Elena and Bonnie exchange a look. ON STEFAN AND CAROLINE As Matt jogs up to them. MATT Nice catch. STEFAN (handing the ball back) Thanks. Begrudgingly impressed. That was hot. And shes

37.

Matt heads back to his buddies. ON ELENA AND BONNIE BONNIE So, party. You in? I mean, I understand if youre not feeling it. Im in. ELENA Bonnie DISSOLVE TO: EXT. MYSTIC FALLS - THE FALLS - NIGHT A stunning waterfall, lit up by the rich moonlight. how the town got its name. We see

Elena doesnt tear her eyes away from Stefan. registers this.

Through the trees, a wide clearing. A BONFIRE roars in the center. TEENS enjoy their impromptu party. Stefan arrives. He scans the sea of people. He tilts his head, listening. Its crowded.

PUSH IN ON HIS EAR as it filters through the sounds of the party. The ROARING BONFIRE...a couple GIRLS rolling a joint. A GUY picking up on a GIRL... A CACOPHONY of CHATTER. for. And then, the voice hes listening

CAMERA PUSHES AT HIGH SPEED THROUGH THE PARTY, arriving at Elena. Shes talking to Bonnie. BONNIE It was more like a vibe. ELENA What kind of vibe? BONNIE Like a dangerous vibe. even telling you. I debated

ELENA Arent you taking this psychic thing a little too far?

38.

BONNIE All right, maybe Im not psychic, but I do have good intuition. And when I touched Stefan, I felt something. BACK WITH STEFAN. Hes overheard their conversation. sure what to think of it. Not

He starts moving in their direction, but Caroline waylays him. She has a drink in her hand. Clearly not her first. CAROLINE You made it. I did. STEFAN

CAROLINE Lets get you a drink. Hes too polite to say no. They head off. Across the way, Elena still talks with Bonnie. Unaware that he has arrived. INT. ELENAS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT Jenna works on her laptop, papers spread out all around her. She rubs her eyes, bleary. Gets up. INT. ELENAS HOUSE - HALLWAY/JEREMYS ROOM - NIGHT Jenna knocks, then opens Jeremys door. JENNA Im ordering pizza. What...

She realizes Jeremys not there. JENNA (CONTD) Unbelievable. EXT. BONFIRE - NIGHT The party is raging. And Jeremy is right in the center of it, helping himself to a drink at the keg. He sees Vicki and makes a beeline for her. VICKI (dismissive) Is that for me? She takes the drink from his hand. He lets her.

39.

JEREMY Whats got you so screwed up? I know my problem, but whats yours? Mom? Dad? That golden retriever brother of yours? She LAUGHS. Takes another drink.

VICKI Dont read into me. Sometimes a crack whore is just a crack whore. JEREMY Why do you talk that way about yourself? VICKI Its a joke. JEREMY Lacking in humor and self esteem. And, for the record, sex is not your calling card. Not with me. We had fun this summer and you know it and it sucks that you cant admit it. BAM! Suddenly, Jeremy is RAMMED FROM BEHIND. By Tyler. knocks the wind out of Jeremy. Who almost keels over. Tyler is there to LAUGH HIMSELF SILLY. TYLER Now why is it I always see you hovering around this beauty? (to Vicki) Does he think he has a chance? Vicki locks eyes with Jeremy. Theres a connection there. However brief. Then, Vicki LAUGHS. VICKI Yeah, right... Together, Tyler and Vicki saunter off as Jeremy watches. ON ELENA AND BONNIE BONNIE No sign of Stefan? ELENA Mr. Danger Vibe? It

40.

BONNIE All right, all right, I take it back. ELENA Can your psychic powers tell me if hes coming? BONNIE Go ahead, make fun of me. Im sure the Druids were laughed at too. But Bonnie closes her eyes, concentrating. watches her, amused. ELENA Is anything happening? BONNIE Just give me a minute. Im supposed to concentrate... ELENA You need a crystal ball. Wait -Tipsy. Elena

She grabs a beer bottle from the ground. She places it in Bonnies hands. They touch. Suddenly, Bonnies face shifts. She grabs Elenas wrist. Ow. ELENA (CONTD) Easy -Elena

Bonnie stares into nothing. Like shes in a trance. pulls away -- snapping Bonnie out of it. BONNIE Okay, that was weird. Ya think? ELENA What happened?

BONNIE I dont know. Im drunk. Its just, when I touched you, I saw a crow. Elena stops cold. What? ELENA

BONNIE Yeah, I saw this black crow and...

41.

What else?

ELENA

BONNIE (remembering) I felt scared -- or more like I should be scared...because the crow brings death. Wait, thats not it...the crow brings the man and the man brings death. Yeah, thats it. Elena is disturbed. For that matter, so is Bonnie.

BONNIE (CONTD) I need a drink. She heads off. front of her. Oh... Elena turns around. ELENA Stefan stands right in

STEFAN I did it again, didnt I?

Sorry. Then notices her

He smiles at her, charming and sheepish. face. STEFAN (CONTD) Youre upset about something. ELENA Its nothing. My friend...she thinks shes --(shaking it off) Never mind. Hi. Youre here. She seems glad to see him. Im here. ACROSS THE BONFIRE STEFAN

As is he to see her.

Jeremy throws back a drink. Drains it. Then, looks over to see his sister Elena with Stefan across the way. He ducks out of sight. He moves through the crowd, recognizing his Stoner friends. He heads over -- just as a GIGGLING Vicki disappears into the woods with Tyler. Theyre both drunk.

42.

ON ELENA AND STEFAN They stroll through the party, not really going anywhere, just being together. The FIRE CRACKLES behind them, casting a romantic glow. ELENA Youre kind of the talk of the town. Am I? STEFAN

ELENA New guy, tragic past. Very mysterious. STEFAN How do you know its tragic? ELENA You lost your parents. To her its that simple. Stefan nods, agreeing.

STEFAN What about you? Whats your sad story? ELENA What makes you think I have a sad story? STEFAN We met in a graveyard. ELENA Technically, we met in the Mens Room. They both smile. Then, she turns to him quietly.

ELENA (CONTD) Last Spring, my parents car went off a bridge into the lake. I was in the backseat. I survived. They didnt. Thats my story. Silence.

43.

STEFAN Thank you for telling me. (then) Youre right. Its tragic. ELENA Yeah...it is. On both of them, united by tragedy. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT Jeremy is shit-faced. He stumbles through the woods. finds a spot, unzips and pees. He

He can hear a COUPLE making out. He quickly finishes and zips up -- moving towards the NOISE. Through trees and brush, he comes upon... VICKI AND TYLER He has her up against a tree. Theyre all over each other. He starts to leave when

ON JEREMY -- completely bummed out. he hears... VICKI No way, Ty. ON VICKI AND TYLER

Hes laughing, enjoying himself. Its all fun and games with him. Vicki pushes him away with little success. VICKI (CONTD) I am not having sex against a tree. TYLER Cmon, itll be hot. VICKI For who? Not going to happen. here like this. No, no, no... But, Tyler is persistent. Not

Aggressive, even.

VICKI (CONTD) Ow, now that hurt. Jeremy comes out from the trees. JEREMY Leave her alone.

44.

Tyler pulls back.

A little breathless.

TYLER Youre starting to get on my nerves, Gilbert. VICKI Just go, Tyler, get the hell away from me. Tyler gathers himself. Playing it cool. Theres a

TYLER Vicki Donovan says no. first. What a dick. He heads off.

Vicki adjusts her clothing.

VICKI I didnt need your help. JEREMY Seems like you did. VICKI He was just drunk. Im drunk. you? JEREMY Am I throwing myself on

VICKI No, youre worse. You wanna talk to me. Get to know me. Really, truly, deeply. See into my soul. Be dazzled by my intelligence. And screw and screw and screw until youre done with me. Beat. Jeremy stares at her. honest outpouring. Thrown by her drunken and very

JEREMY Is that what you think? VICKI Its what I know. And with that Vicki takes off through the woods.

45.

EXT. BONFIRE - NIGHT Stefan and Elena are sitting by themselves, away from the crowd. They see Caroline with Bonnie nearby. Caroline is trying not to look at them, but she cant help herself. STEFAN I like Bonnie. Shes seems like a good friend. Very loyal. ELENA Yes, the best. STEFAN You might have to explain Caroline to me. ELENA Shes one of my oldest friends. Shes just playing some role she thinks shes supposed to. As seen on TV. But its not really her. STEFAN And Matt? Who cant keep his eyes off of us. Elena looks around. Sure enough, Matt is with a GROUP OF GIRLS, but he keeps glancing their way. ELENA Friends since pre-school. Good friends. But, somewhere along the way we had this notion we should be more than that, so we started to date. It was comfortable, but not... STEFAN Passionate. ELENA No, it wasnt passionate. Elena looks directly into his eyes. Then, she leans over and touches his face, brushing his bangs aside. A current moves between them. Its potent. Stefan takes a deep breath. Struggling a little. STEFAN Are you thirsty?

46.

A little. Me too.

ELENA

STEFAN Here, let me.

He takes her cup and then walks off, disappearing into the crowd. Elena waits, a little confused by his abrupt exit. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT Vicky is walking drunkenly through the brush. A THICK, MOVING MIST begins to swirl around her feet. In moments the ground is covered by a blanket of fog. She looks around. The fog is everywhere. Rising to waist level. A RUSTLE OF LEAVES makes her spin around. Jeremy? VICKI Flying by her.

The BLACK CROW SWOOPS down from the trees. Jesus. VICKI (CONTD)

Her eyes dart up to the trees. What the hell was that? Suddenly, WHOOSH. Shes YANKED down, disappearing. A BLOOD CURDLING SCREAM. And then SILENCE.

END OF ACT THREE

47.

ACT FOUR EXT. BONFIRE - NIGHT Elena approaches the keg. Looking around. Stefan anywhere. But Matts there. MATT Looking for someone? She doesnt know what to say. He pours a cup of beer, offers it to her. She takes it. Thank you. An awkward silence. MATT (CONTD) Elena, Im not so good with the awkward. Elena nods. Shes not either. She doesnt see

MATT (CONTD) Its not us. It never has been. That was the cool thing. We were always easy. ELENA Yes, we were-MATT You know this isnt the way I want things to be. But what I want isnt as important as what you need. Im your friend, Elena. So, Im here. For you. Okay? A long silence. Elena smiles softly. Grateful. too. Theres a special bond between these two. ACROSS THE FIRE Caroline sees Stefan heading for Elena. CAROLINE There you are. She moves closer. Shes drunk and forward. Waylays him. Matt smiles

CAROLINE (CONTD) Have you been down to the falls yet? Its really cool at night, I can show you...if you want. STEFAN Are you drunk?

48.

Caroline GIGGLES. CAROLINE Very drunk. Cmon, lets go, if the waters warm we can... STEFAN Its not going to happen. CAROLINE We can stay here if you want. STEFAN You and me. Were not going to happen. Im sorry, Caroline. Caroline is stung. Not accustomed to rejection. her a polite smile and walks away. He heads for Elena, leaving Caroline in the dust. ON STEFAN AND ELENA As they come together. Elenas amused. He gives

ELENA I was wondering who abducted you. Now I know. STEFAN Is she like this with all guys? ELENA Youre fresh meat. Shell back off eventually. (noticing something) Youve got to be kidding me. FOLLOW HER LOOK Jeremy is stumbling through the crowd. STEFAN What is it? ELENA My brother. STEFAN The drunk kid? ELENA Thats the one. Excuse me? Hammered.

49.

STEFAN You want help? Trust me. this. Elena hurries off. Follows him. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT He weaves into a couple making out against a tree. pushes him away. MAKE-OUT GUY Bounce, moron. JEREMY My apologies. (under his breath) Douchewheel. He stumbles down the path. Jeremy. ELENA Jeremy! Calling out. Elena is gaining. The GUY ELENA You dont wanna witness She sees Jeremy heading into the woods.

He keeps moving deeper into the woods. JEREMY I dont wanna hear it. Too bad. ELENA

She picks up her pace. Jeremy tries to run, pushing through the brush. He suddenly TRIPS and falls. Over a BODY. Its Vicki. Her eyes are wide open. Blood is everywhere. JEREMY Holy shit. Vicki. (shaking her) VICKI. Elena reaches them. Oh my god. ELENA Staring into nothing.

50.

Suddenly Vicki lets out a RAGGED GASP. Its a horrifying sound. Her hand GRABS Jeremy. Her eyes pleading for help. EXT. BONFIRE - NIGHT ELENA Somebody help!! ANGLE ON ELENA as she comes out of the woods. Jeremy is carrying Vicki in his arms. Everyone begins to take notice. Matt pushes through the crowd. MATT What the hell -- Vicky! He races to help his sister. Instant panic. Chaos. A DIN OF VOICES as everyone reacts. Bonnie calls 911, Matt takes Vicki, lays her down. OTHERS crowd her, trying to help. Tyler is freaked. TYLER What happened to her? On Stefan, staring in shock at the sight. PUSH IN ON HIS FACE as ONE VOICE cuts through the all else. ELENA (tunneled) Her neck. Something bit her. Its bad, shes losing a lot of blood. Stefan is stunned. He slowly backs away. Freaked out.

Matt, tending to Vicki, catches a glimpse of Stefans face. He shakes it off, focused on his sister. But hell remember it later. Stefan lets himself get swallowed up by the crowd. with everyones attention elsewhere, he RUNS. INT. WHITMORE HOUSE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT Stefan races into the house. Pete is surprised by the ferocity of Stefans entrance. PETE Whats going on? STEFAN You said it was quiet here. was the only one. That I And then,

51.

PETE Mystic Falls hasnt been active in years. Im certain of it. STEFAN A girl was attacked tonight. PETE Do you think it was...? But Stefan doesnt respond, hes already up the stairs. watches. Worried. INT. WHITMORE HOUSE - STEFANS BEDROOM - NIGHT Stefan enters his attic loft to find the huge bay window open. Curtains blowing. He stops. Senses something amiss. He walks slowly across the room towards the window when... A BLACK CROW COMES DARTING THROUGH. Stefan ducks, as the crow disappears into the rafters. Crossing back and forth, up and down. Manic. Stefan watches it flutter about madly -- not seeing the FIGURE THAT APPEARS IN THE WINDOW BEHIND HIM. But, then Stefan stops in his tracks. Sensing it. Slowly, he turns and comes face to face with-A DARKLY HANDSOME MAN. (23) Stefans eyes burn with distaste. Damon. STEFAN Pete

The Mans piercing eyes glitter smugly. DAMON Hello, brother. END OF ACT FOUR

52.

ACT FIVE INT. WHITMORE HOUSE - STEFANS BEDROOM - NIGHT The CROW SITS on the window sill watching... Stefan pace across his bedroom floor. While Damon can be seen through the bathroom door, washing up. STEFAN When did you get here? Stefan is very pointed and reserved around his brother. While Damon is just the opposite. Damon is deliberately light. Casual. Endless charm. DAMON I couldnt miss your first day of school. STEFAN How did you find me? Damon stops. Looks at his brother. have to answer that? DAMON Your hairs different. Really? Do I really

I like it.

STEFAN Its been 15 years, Damon. DAMON Time flies. Thank god. I couldnt take one more day of the 90s. That horrible grunge look. It didnt suit you. Its important to stay away from the fads, Stefan. Always opt for timeless. Damon dries his hands. Was that blood he was washing away?

STEFAN Why are you here? DAMON I missed my brother. STEFAN You hate small towns. Its boring. Theres nothing to do. DAMON Ive managed to keep busy.

53.

Beat.

Damon smirks. STEFAN You almost killed that girl tonight. DAMON Ya know I like the pill-poppers. Nice buzz. Dont worry, I made it look like an animal. Theyll blame a bear or mountain lion. Youre safe. STEFAN You didnt come all the way back to Mystic Falls just to play games. DAMON Maybe. Maybe not. I would ask you the same question, but Im fairly certain the answer is all summed up in one word: Elena.

Stefans jaw clenches at the mention of her name. grins. He knows hes hit his target. EXT. MYSTIC FALLS - ACCESS ROAD - NIGHT

Damon

Matt climbs into the back of the AMBULANCE before it pulls away. POLICE question the remaining PARTIERS. An ANIMAL CONTROL UNIT pulls in. Bonnie comes up to Elena. Her face tense and drawn.

BONNIE Were gonna go mainline coffee and wait for news. ELENA I have to get Jeremy home. Bonnie nods, understanding. Elena starts to go but senses Bonnie is very withdrawn. Haunted. ELENA (CONTD) Bonnie? What is it? Are you okay? Dont freak yourself out with this psychic stuff. Bonnie nods.

54.

BONNIE I know, I know...but, Im getting this crazy feeling that whatever happened tonight...is just beginning. Elena stares at her friend. ON JEREMY He sits under a tree. Glassy eyed. Watching the scene unfold before him. He watches the AMBULANCE take off. He sees Elena walking over to him. Lets go. ELENA Together, they walk What is she talking about?

Jeremy staggers to his feet, silently. towards the road. Suddenly... TYLER APPEARS -- ATTACKING JEREMY. TYLER You sonofabitch. her?

Why did you leave

Elena tries to break them apart. But Tylers too big, he has Jeremy on the ground, straddling him, choking him. TYLER (CONTD) You were the last one with her. You left her in the woods. ELENA Tyler, stop. Get off him. Suddenly, TWO COPS appear -- they pull Tyler off Jeremy. Jeremy sits up. Elena looks at her brother, but hes staring at the ground. Guilt-ridden. INT. WHITMORE HOUSE - STEFANS BEDROOM - NIGHT Damon moves around the room, perusing Stefans books and pictures, etc. DAMON I suppose I should go down and say hi to Pete. Are we calling him our great uncle? So much clutter. Do you save everything? Stefan is at his desk, closing his journal, putting it away.

55.

DAMON (CONTD) She took my breath away -- Elena. Stefan turns to his brother. DAMON (CONT'D) Shes a dead ringer for Katherine. Is it working, Stefan? Being next to her? Being part of her world? Does it make you feel alive? STEFAN Shes not Katherine. DAMON No? Lets hope not. how that ended. We both know He reins it in.

Stefans eyes narrow. His anger flaring. But Damon sees it. Smiles.

DAMON (CONTD) Tell me something, brother. When was the last time you indulged? Stefan says nothing. DAMON (CONTD) Really? When was the last you had something stronger than a squirrel? Stefan is disgusted by his talk. By his ribbing.

STEFAN Stop it, Damon. I know what youre doing and its not going to work. DAMON Yeah? Cmon, dont you crave a little? Lets do it. Together. You and me, I saw several little tarts tonight... Stop. STEFAN A playful but hard thunk.

Damon WHACKS him on the head.

DAMON Whaddya say? Lets cut to the chase and go straight for Elena.

56.

THUNK. He pops him again. Damon keeps coming at him. Stop it. Make me. STEFAN

Stefan tries to dodge him, but

DAMON You know you want to.

Damon keeps taunting his brother, pushing him across the room, knocking his head. DAMON (CONTD) I bet you can barely resist her now. Imagine what her blood would taste like. I can. He gives Stefan another tap, but hes gone too far. Stefan WHIRLS on him. EYES rimmed with blood, VEINS protruding from under his translucent skin. Full of fury. STEFAN I said stop. He RUSHES Damon, literally leaving the ground. CRASHING through the enormous window. EXT. WHITMORE HOUSE - NIGHT Shards of glass rain down as they land on the ground with a thud. They both go

END OF ACT FIVE

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ACT SIX EXT. HOUSE - SIDE YARD - NIGHT Stefan lies flat on the ground. SHATTERED GLASS all around. He rises, rubs his head. Hes back to himself. He stands. Looks up to the attic. Sees the broken window. Turns to find Damon leaning against a tree. DAMON I was impressed. I give it a six. Missed on style, but I was pleasantly surprised. Really good with the whole face ARRGGGGHHH. STEFAN Stay away from her. DAMON You just proved you cant make requests. So, this Elena. You think shed go for an older man? STEFAN Everything is fun and games with you. But wherever you go, people die. DAMON Thats a given. Not here. STEFAN I wont allow it.

DAMON Wheres your ring? Stefan stops cold. Looks to his hand. Instant panic. Anger. His ring is missing.

DAMON (CONTD) Couple of hours, the sun comes up, and poof. Ashes to ashes. Stefan tries to keep his anger in check. Relax. DAMON (CONTD) Here.

Damon holds his hand out. The ring lies in his palm. We notice Damon has the exact same one on his hand. Stefan goes to him, takes the ring, slips it on when...

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DAMON GRABS HIM BY THE THROAT - COMPLETELY PICKING HIM UP AND THROWING HIM ACROSS THE YARD WITH INHUMAN STRENGTH. He hits the side of the house. Freefalls to the ground. Damon walks to where Stefan lies. For the first time, Damons face turns PURE EVIL. Without question -- he can go there. DAMON (CONTD) You should know better than to think youre stronger than me. You lost that fight when you stopped feeding on people. I wouldnt try it again -- brother. And, instantly, Damon is back to his charming self. DAMON (CONTD) I think we woke Pete up. Damon walks away, leaving Stefan in a crumbled heap. INT. MYSTIC GRILL - NIGHT Bonnie and Caroline nurse cups of coffee. visibly drunk. BONNIE Are you sober yet? Caroline pauses -- thinks about it. Nope. CAROLINE Shakes her head. Caroline is still

BONNIE Keep drinking. I gotta get you home. I gotta get me home. Caroline is lost in drunken thought. Beat.

CAROLINE Why didnt he go for me? How come the guys I want never want me? BONNIE I refuse to answer that. remember it. CAROLINE (answers herself) Im inappropriate. (MORE) You may

59. CAROLINE (CONT'D) I always say the wrong thing. Elena always says the right thing.

Caroline hiccups. CAROLINE (CONTD) She doesnt even try. And he picks her. Shes always the one everyone picks. And I work so hard and Im never the one... Her voice trails off. As she sits there in her stupor. Vulnerable. Bonnie doesnt know what to say. EXT. ELENAS HOUSE/INT. ELENAS CAR - NIGHT Elena pulls the car into the drive. She and Jeremy sit there. Neither in a hurry to get out of the car. Then... ELENA People are gonna stop giving you breaks, Jer, because they dont care anymore. They dont remember our parents our dead. Theyre too busy living their lives. The rest of the world has moved on. You have to try too. JEREMY Like you? Ive seen you at the cemetery. Writing in your diary. Is that you moving on? Silence. Elena shrugs. Shes at a loss. Sad.

ELENA Mom and Dad wouldnt want this. JEREMY Then its a good thing theyre not here. And with that Jeremy gets out of the car. Still angry, still restless. Still on a dangerous path. And from the look on Elenas face, she knows it. INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT Vicki lies in her hospital bed. Spots of blood seep through the bandages on her neck. Matt sits by her side. Worry etched on his face. Vickis eyes flutter open. Matt leans in, relieved.

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Vick. She looks at him.

MATT Its okay.

Youre okay.

Voice raspy. VICKI

Matt...

MATT What did this to you? Her hand finds his, gripping it tightly. Eyes full of fear. She struggles to speak -- her wounds excruciating. In the faintest whisper, she manages to speak one word... Vampire. VICKI

INT. ELENAS HOUSE - HALLWAY/JEREMYS BEDROOM - NIGHT Jenna is standing in the hallway when Jeremy exits the bathroom. She looks at him with disappointment. But love, too. Lots of love. Jeremy gives an apologetic shrug. Then, disappears into his bedroom. Its enough for Jenna. For now. ELENA (V.O.) Dear Diary. I couldnt have been more wrong. Jeremy falls back onto his bed. Rolls over. on a picture of his parents. A long look. EXT. ELENAS HOUSE - VERANDA - NIGHT Elena sits out on the veranda, curled in a blanket, writing in her journal. ELENA (V.O.) I thought that I could smile and nod my way through it. Pretend like it would all be okay. INT. WHITMORE HOUSE - STEFANS ROOM - NIGHT Stefan returns to his room. broken glass. Takes stock of the mess of His eyes fall

His voice takes over from Elenas.

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STEFAN (V.O.) It seemed like a good plan. Let go of who I was. Create a life as someone new. Someone without the past. ELENA (V.O.) Without the pain. Stefan and Elenas voices join. STEFAN/ELENA (V.O.) Someone alive. INT. MYSTIC GRILL - NIGHT Bonnie heads to the bathroom, leaving Caroline alone. ELENA (V.O.) But its not that easy. things stay with you. STEFAN (V.O.) They follow you. A MAN is sitting at a nearby table, his back to the camera. When Bonnie crosses, he turns, eyeing Caroline. Its DAMON. Caroline catches his stare. The looks begin... The bad

STEFAN (V.O.) (CONTD) You cant escape them. As much as you want to. EXT. ELENAS HOUSE - VERANDA - NIGHT ELENA (V.O.) All you can do is be ready for the good, so that when it comes, you let it in. Because you need it. (beat) I need it. Elena stands, opens the front door. Elena. She turns. STEFAN Then, from offscreen.

Hes standing on her front walk. Stefan. ELENA

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He walks towards her, joining her at the door. Stopping just inches from the threshold. She stares at him, drinking in his face. STEFAN I know its late. But I needed to know that you were okay. Elena has to smile to herself. ELENA You know, for months thats all anyone has wondered about me. If Im okay. STEFAN What do you tell them? ELENA I tell them Ill be fine. STEFAN Did you ever mean it? ELENA Ask me tomorrow. Their eyes connect. Elena shivers. Two lost souls drawn to each other.

ELENA (CONTD) Its warmer in the house. talk...

We can

She walks away from the door, but once again Stefan cant enter. Until Elena turns... ELENA (CONTD) Dont you want to come inside? Stefan smiles. Yes. Genuine, heartfelt. STEFAN Elena has invited her vampire in.

He steps into the house. As the door shuts... FADE OUT.

END OF PILOT